Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project

The Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project is a collaboration between 12 Northeastern Colorado water providers to improve the reliability of, or make firm, water supplies from the Windy Gap Project. Chimney Hollow Reservoir will be located just west of Carter Lake in Larimer County to provide dedicated storage to supply a reliable 30,000 acre-feet of water each year for future generations.  

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Provides storage for 30,000 acre-feet of existing water rights associated with the Windy Gap Project

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Provides environmental benefits to Colorado's rivers and streams through various commitments

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Enhances recreation opportunities to encourage healthy, outdoor lifestyles for residents

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Helps meet an increased demand for water in Northern Colorado communities

Group of people doing ribbon cutting of Colorado River Connectivity Channel

Colorado River Connectivity Channel Celebrated at Project Dedication

Federal, state and local officials joined leaders of the Northern Water and the Municipal Subdistrict on Oct. 15, 2024, to dedicate the Colorado River Connectivity Channel at Windy Gap Reservoir.

Grouting machine on steep abutment at Chimney Hollow

Grouting Program Complete on Both Dams

Together, more than 33 miles of grout holes were drilled at the rate of about one mile per month since the start of the grouting program in January 2021.

Replicas of Carter Lake and Chimney Hollow Reservoir in the Interpretive Area at Northern Water

See Northern Water’s Newest Reservoir: The Model Chimney Hollow

Chimney Hollow Reservoir, or at least a model of it, has been added to the Northern Water Interpretive Area just west of the headquarters building in Berthoud.